For such an accomplished striker, Gary Rowell had a very brief career at Carrow Road making just six appearances (four as substitute) and scoring once. I remember the goal clearly as Gary came off the bench to score against Aston Villa. Most of his spell (August 1984 to July 1985) at Carrow Road was hindered by injury - he was substituted after sixteen minutes of his reserve team debut.

Prior to joining Norwich, Gary was the glory boy of Wearside. Joining Sunderland as an apprentice in 1972 and turning professional two years later, he made an impressive 293 games for the Roker park side scoring 102 goals. In addition to these vital goals as Sunderland yo-yoed between the old First and Second Divisions, Gary won international recognition at under 21 level. Sunderland had a clear out of players in the summer of 1984 and Gary was granted a free transfer in recognition of his efforts.

After his year at Norwich, Gary returned to his native North East with Sunderland's arch rivals Middlesbrough. He played 27 games for them, scoring 10 goals. The following summer saw him join Brighton for whom he played 12 matches. With his performances greatly affected by injury, Gary had a trial with Dundee in February 1988 before joining Carlisle the following month. He made just 7 appearances for the Cumbrian side before moving to Burnley in July 1988. A year later he retired from the professional game but not after he had made 19 games (1 goal) for Burnley. As well as working as a financial consultant in Burnley, Gary commentates on all of Sunderland's games for Metro Radio.